Even if you've never sat in the cockpit as a pilot yourself, we understand very well if you still feel an affinity for pilot's watches. You are not alone in this; because these watches have also had a certain cult status in the areas of lifestyle and fashion for a long time. They have not been used for flight navigation or aviation calculations for a long time. But even if today they are more worn at the desk than in the cockpit, they still retain their spirit of freedom, which cannot be tied to a specific time period. Its sporty and attractive design evokes the adventures of the pilots of yesteryear. But the watches are not only valued for nostalgic reasons. Their functional design is characterized by a certain robustness and easy readability in all lighting conditions. While the latter often means a larger diameter, there's also a wide range of watches available for those with smaller wrists - or a preference for slimmer models. In this article, we present five beautiful, technically sophisticated pilot's watches with a smaller diameter.
Stowa plane classic 36
At Stowa you get a pilot's watch with a tasteful, simple design. With the tasteful combination of Swiss clockwork and the German design of a 1940s pilot's watch. The simple readability is mainly due to the dark dial and the noctilucent hands. The special feature of this watch is that it can be customized according to specific preferences: bronze or stainless steel, with or without logo, with automatic movement or with manual winding - according to individual taste. Similar to Sinn, Stowa also played a leading role in the introduction of pilot watch certification DIN 8330. The German standard, which has been in force since 2016, has set high standards for pilot watches ever since. Finally, it is extremely important that the clocks do not interfere with the other devices on the plane. Regardless of whether it falls on the ground or magnetic fields; the Stowa Flieger Klassik 36 survives everything unscathed. This makes it the perfect, robust everyday companion that also looks good with its minimalist and stylish design.
Longines Heritage Military
As one of the most successful and oldest Swiss watch brands, Longine feels connected to both the past and the future. This also explains the tendency to pay homage to famous models, including the Longines Heritage Military. Even in its day, it stood out from the other pilot's watches with its white dial and blued hands. The new model is also strongly based on the original. Although the indication on the dial is missing, it is still Longines' only automatic watch. It is powered by an automatic movement with a 64-hour power reserve. Longines also wanted to keep this missing reference in the design as close as possible to the original, which was still hand-wound at the time. The curvature of the sapphire glass is also based on the plexiglass of the past. But the attention to detail doesn't stop here: fine black paint splashes adorn the dial and imitate the patina of yesteryear. Freedom-loving individualists will find the perfect timepieces with the one-of-a-kind items from Longines.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King
It is no coincidence that this Rolex appears in this list. This watch was originally created for the Royal Air Force and the design makes no secret of it. This pilot's watch has a diameter of exactly 40 mm. Larger pilot's watches are considered a category in their own right and tastes differ of course, so this watch might be a slightly bolder choice. But you can always use this character trait as a pilot. As a larger watch on smaller wrists, this “statement watch” takes on a whole new dimension. Rolex has pulled out all the stops with this watch: from the Oyster design with a colorful homage to the Explorer mixed with a little Rolex green, to the slight and ergonomic curvature of the lugs, which tastefully adapts to every wrist Air King quite exciting. With its price, it is a good start on the way to becoming a Rolex collector and in recent years it has developed excellently in terms of price. It is therefore an excellent choice both as an investment and as a fashion statement.
Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer
Swiss quality with relaxed American lifestyle vibes? No problem for the Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer. The brand offers a range of so-called tool watches that can do almost anything and are therefore not only suitable for everyday use, but also very suitable for sports. Whether military operations or outdoor activities, these watches trump with reliability and style. Some of the watches are from successful predecessors